Mbarara City, Western Region Airbnb Market Data 2025: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Mbarara City, Western Region? Based on AirROI's 2025 dataset (May 2024 – April 2025), the short answer is $3,127 per year — at a $54 nightly rate, 22.2% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 36 active listings, Mbarara City is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 125.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Mbarara City?
In Mbarara City, the headline Airbnb metrics are $3,127 in average annual revenue,22.2% occupancy, $54 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 35 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Mbarara City?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Mbarara City is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Mbarara City is typically March, while December often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Mbarara City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,311+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,046 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $642 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $352, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Mbarara City
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Mbarara City?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Mbarara City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Maysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while November experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Mbarara City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 42%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 30% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 20%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 9% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Mbarara City
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Mbarara City?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Mbarara City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Mbarara City typically peaks in January and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $107+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $61 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $35 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $22 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Mbarara City
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
RevPAR in Mbarara City is currently N/A. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Mbarara City
RevPAR Insights for Mbarara City
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Mbarara City benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
Mbarara City's peak Airbnb season falls in March, February, May, while the softest stretch is July, November, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (March, February, May)
- Revenue averages $1,567 per month
- Occupancy rates average 35.6%
- Daily rates average $55
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $984 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 22.0%
- Daily rates hold near $53
Low Season (July, November, December)
- Revenue drops to average $384 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 15.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $53
Seasonality Insights for Mbarara City
- Airbnb seasonality in Mbarara City is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Mbarara City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,699, occupancy reaching 50.5%, and ADRs peaking at $57.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $209, occupancy could drop to 11.7%, and ADRs may adjust to $51.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Mbarara City need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Mbarara City, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Mbarara City, Western Region, Uganda point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Mbarara City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
With a compact short-term rental market, Mbarara City gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Kakiika | A growing residential area known for its suburban feel and proximity to Mbarara town. It attracts families and travelers seeking a quiet stay close to urban amenities. | Lake Mburo National Park, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Ibanda and Mbarara Golf Course, Cultural Heritage Center |
| Ruharo | A popular neighborhood with easy access to Mbarara's commercial hubs. It's ideal for business travelers and tourists looking to explore the local culture. | Mbarara Market, Mbarara Cathedral, King’s College School, Local restaurants and nightlife |
| Nyamitanga | An upscale area featuring hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. It's favored by visitors seeking comfort and service during their stay. | Mbarara Hill School, Popular local eateries, Cultural heritage exhibits, Amatu Park |
| Kamukuzi | A vibrant area known for its lively markets and community events. It attracts those who wish to experience the local lifestyle firsthand. | Mbarara Central Market, Mbarara Main Street, Local shops and boutiques, Community events and festivals |
| Bwizibwera | A historic and culturally rich area, it offers a blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to both tourists and locals alike. | Historical landmarks, Local cultural sites, Traditional markets, Access to the main roads |
| Embarara | Close to the main road connecting to other significant towns, this area is great for guests that plan to travel around the Western Region. | Access to local transport, Dining options nearby, Cultural sites along the main road, Enganzi Trading Center |
| Kyarubanga | Known for its beautiful landscape and tranquility, it appeals to nature lovers and those looking for a serene getaway. | Nature trails, Local farms, Scenic views of the surrounding hills, Rural craft markets |
| Rubindi | A rural area just outside Mbarara, popular for eco-tourism and those wanting to experience the countryside of Uganda. | Natural beauty, Agricultural tours, Cultural experiences with locals, Wildlife viewing opportunities |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Mbarara City offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Mbarara City?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Mbarara City
- The Mbarara City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Private Room listings, which make up 61.1% of the 36 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Mbarara City, Hotel/Boutique properties are the most common (41.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 30.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 41.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Mbarara City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Mbarara City
- The dominant room capacity in Mbarara City is 1 bedroom listings, making up 41.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 5+ bedrooms properties represent 66.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Mbarara City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 38.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Mbarara City.
Mbarara City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Mbarara City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Mbarara City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (30.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Mbarara City STR market, accounting for 52.8% of listings.
- A significant 44.5% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Mbarara City.
- 33.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Mbarara City.
- On average, properties in Mbarara City are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Mbarara City?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Mbarara City
- Essential amenities in Mbarara City that guests expect include: Kitchen, TV, Hot water, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Essentials, Air conditioning are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Mbarara City: Kitchen, TV, Hot water, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Hot water, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Essentials to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Mbarara City to stay competitive.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Mbarara City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Mbarara City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMbarara City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Mbarara City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Mbarara City consists of predominantly international visitors (71%), with top international origins including Benin, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 28.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include Uganda (28.6%) and Benin (14.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (66.7%) followed by French (11.1%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Benin.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Mbarara City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Mbarara City
- The most common availability pattern in Mbarara City falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 94.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Mbarara City (80.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Mbarara City?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Mbarara City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Mbarara City is 35 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 50 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (18 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (4 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (35 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Mbarara City.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 50 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During June, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 18 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Mbarara City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Mbarara City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
32 listings
91.4% of total
2 Nights
1 listings
2.9% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
5.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Mbarara City is 1 Night, adopted by 91.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (94.3%) of the Mbarara City Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 91.4% of Mbarara City hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Mbarara City.
Mbarara City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
4 listings
66.7% of total
Moderate
1 listings
16.7% of total
Firm
1 listings
16.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Mbarara City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Mbarara City is Flexible, used by 66.7% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 83.4% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Mbarara City may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 66.7% market standard in Mbarara City.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (66.7%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Mbarara City.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Mbarara City Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mbarara Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Kings couple palace Triangle
Private Room • 5 bedrooms
8-Roomed Apartment with Bed & breakfast
Private Room • 12 bedrooms
Cheerful 2 bedroom Villa with free parking
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Adorable 1 bedroom house for a vacation
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Rushozi Country Home and Camp Ground
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Ruharo Country Club
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Mbarara City?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mbarara City based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host #472458971 | 4 | $33,197 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #484529456 | 1 | $13,677 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #468326321 | 3 | $8,447 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #397721244 | 4 | $4,631 | 1 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Nuwe | 2 | $4,318 | 4 | 2.33/5.0 |
| Host #317465088 | 1 | $4,315 | 1 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #450619244 | 1 | $4,258 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #162896261 | 1 | $3,337 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Florence | 1 | $2,969 | 39 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Host #470310358 | 1 | $2,965 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Mbarara City.
How Does Mbarara City's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Mbarara City Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Kinyinya, Mbarara City has 11 percentage points lower occupancy and about $23 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rwinkwavu | 11 | $905 | $168.63 | 21% |
| Kinyinya | 47 | $612 | $77.03 | 33% |
| Gisozi | 74 | $541 | $70.77 | 26% |
| Gisenyi | 21 | $477 | $92.02 | 19% |
| Kimihurura | 114 | $464 | $58.99 | 30% |
| Kigali | 609 | $460 | $68.44 | 28% |
| Goma | 10 | $452 | $83.47 | 20% |
| Muhoza | 54 | $367 | $64.74 | 21% |
| Kagarama | 53 | $347 | $54.23 | 25% |
| Nyayumba | 11 | $341 | $92.40 | 17% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Mbarara City
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Mbarara City.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mbarara City?
Mbarara City hosts earn about $3,127 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $54 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Mbarara City, Western Region, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2025 data, Mbarara City market, May 2024 to April 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mbarara City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mbarara City is 22.2%. March is the strongest month and December is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Mbarara City?
Listings in Mbarara City average $54 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Mbarara City?
Mbarara City currently has about 36 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Mbarara City?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Mbarara City as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
RevPAR in Mbarara City is about N/A. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Mbarara City?
Occupancy of 22.2% means Mbarara City is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $3,127, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Mbarara City?
The average booking lead time in Mbarara City is about 35 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Mbarara City include Kakiika, Ruharo, Nyamitanga. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Mbarara City?
private_room listings make up 61.1% of the active supply in Mbarara City. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Mbarara City compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Rwinkwavu posts $10,866 in average annual revenue with 21.3% occupancy, compared to Mbarara City's $3,127 and 22.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Mbarara City?
March is the highest-revenue month in Mbarara City, while December is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates a highly seasonal market — revenue in the peak month is more than double the low month, so cash-flow planning and pricing automation are critical.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2025-04-30. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.